The North Neighborhood Library will close on Sunday, July 31 at 4:00PM in preparation for the September 10 opening of the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, according to an announcement released today. The new Michelle Obama Library is slated to open at 10:00AM.
During the closure, the library’s collection will be moved to the new location, along with supplies and other items.
“We are all very excited that the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library will soon be opening its doors for the residents of Long Beach,” stated Mayor Robert Garcia. “This new library will include an extensive book collection and the latest technology and computers.”
The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library will be 3.5 times the size of the previous location, and have community and study rooms with audio visual technology to support meetings, workshops, seminars and other needs, according to the release.
The new library will also be the first in Long Beach to use an automated book return system to assist staff with returning material to shelves more quickly, according to Library Services Director Glenda Williams.
“The Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library will be a place for the community to gather, learn, and build strong community ties,” said Councilmember Al Austin in a statement.
The new building, which uses the original spire from the former Atlantic Theatre, was described by Councilmember Rex Richardson “a symbol to inspire the public to reach higher and achieve their dreams.”
“The iconic new Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library will set a new standard for design and architecture on the Atlantic corridor,” Richardson stated.
Library materials can still be returned to the North Neighborhood Library book drops, and will be checked in on the same day. Materials can also be returned in person at any open Long Beach library, of which the closest to the North Neighborhood Library are listed below:
- Dana Library, 3680 Atlantic Avenue
- Bach Library, 4055 Bellflower Boulevard
- Harte Library, 1595 West Willow Street
During the closure, patrons will still be able to place requests for books and other material, and choose their temporary location for pick-up. Notifications to the public will be made through signs posted at the library and announcements shared on the library’s website, Facebook and Twitter.
The North Neighborhood Library is located at 5571 Orange Avenue. The new library is located at 5870 Atlantic Avenue.
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